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The Sound of Evolution
Pergolide
Mechanism of action:
Pergolide is a dopamine receptor agonist and an ergot derivative. Pergolide has non-selective agonist activity at dopamine receptors, but its main activity is at D₂-like receptors. D₂ receptors are mainly located in the striatum, and activation by pergolide can suppress excessive GABAergic output. Pergolide also acts on D₁ receptors, helping to enhance facilitatory signaling within the basal ganglia motor circuit.
Reference(s):
1. Schade R et al. (2007). Dopamine agonists and the risk of cardiac-valve regurgitation. N Engl J Med.
2. Breitenstein C et al. (2006). Tonic dopaminergic stimulation impairs associative learning in healthy subjects. Neuropsychopharmacology.
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